BMC

Road Racer SL01/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Bike - 2012

Full carbon construction and the latest drivetrain technology make the BMC Road Racer SL01/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Bike an ideal bike for the regional racer, or the discerning recreationalist. Stiff under power, yet compliant for comfort, the technology packed Road Racer accelerates with ease, turns with precision, and dampens chatter. Top off those riding traits with the fast-shifting, electronic Shimano Di2 gruppo and you get a fantastic all-around race machine.

BMC uses the latest carbon manufacturing processes to fine tune the Road Racer SL01's tubing into weight, strength, and aerodynamically optimized profiles. These minute modifications allow stiffness where it's needed without causing the Road Racer to ride like a spine-jarring jackhammer. Take a look at the down tube and seat tube. At the bottom bracket junction, they're as wide as possible. Ditto with the chainstays where they connect to the bottom bracket, they're as tall as the shell -- it'd be impossible to go any larger. Toss a leg over this BMC and expect to feel race-winning power transfer.

The Road Racer SL01 employs BMC's Integrated Skeleton Concept (ISC) where the seat stays join the seat and top tubes in a distinctive manner. Aside from screaming 'BMC' in a peloton, this design ensures that road shock is transferred into the axis of the top tube, sending stress to the strongest part of the frame -- the streamlined head tube. Here, a tapered, integrated headset houses an oversized lower bearing for the compliant, yet stiff BMC SE48 SL TP carbon fork to spin around. This combination gives the Road Racer SL01 excellent steering precision for confident tracking through fast corners.

We've paired the Road Racer SL01 with a complete Shimano Ultegra Di2 component group, including a 50/34 compact crank. Other details include Easton's EA30 alloy handlebar with EA70 stem. Mavic gets the nod for the wheels: Ksyrium Elites. They're stout enough for everyday training, but aero and light enough for race day. You'll also get Continental Ultra Race 700c x 23mm clincher tires. If you're looking for a serious race bike, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one.

The BMC Road Racer SL01/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Bike is available in Red and comes in five sizes -- 48, 51, 54, 57, and 60cm.